Thank you for this video! I'm just beginning my journey to Japan from USA and hope to live in Japan in the next 3 years. If all goes well, 5 years from then, I hope I can apply for naturalization! 😻✌
Well... things fell apart. I won't be able to live in Japan after all due to something that happened over a decade ago. 😢 I'm still going to try to visit though.
As a US citizen who wishes to embrace a culture different than their own. And maybe even find where they belong over there. If they do. This video helped a ton!
yes its true,i have co worker she is japanese citizen came from vietnam,but cant speak clearly japanese end cant work good.but she can read kanji end katakana end hiragana.
@@oo-cz7vx if naturalization applications（帰化申請）increase too much, Japan need stricter Japanese language tests. Today’s requirements are definitely too low
Hi. We hope the general information we've provided would still be helpful and recommend this site for extensive information and a step-by-step guide on applying for Japanese Naturalization: www.turning-japanese.info/p/intro.html
Attention! The most important thing is "when in Rome, do as the Romans do". We are often confused from differences between foreigner and us. So if you want to live in Japan, please understand and have a respects for Japanese customs.
Two points I think are missing: One needs to get a Japanese name, it means abandoning one’s name. Just not sure how it works. The other is that if one can’t renounce one’s nationality like in some countries, then a person needs to show they have connections to Japan. Basically being married with a Japanese and have Japanese children
Hello Lepanto and thank you for your feedback! For full information about taking a Japanese name, please see this link below: www.turning-japanese.info/2010/07/faq-do-you-have-to-take-japanese-name.html Yes, it is true that in some countries, renunciation of their citizenship from their home country is not possible, therefore, "dual citizenship" may be recognized. Please see this link for more information (1.5 of A person who has to make the choice of nationality): www.moj.go.jp/ENGLISH/information/tcon-01.html Thank you for watching our video!
@@渡辺春樹-z7x people can do whatever they want, you don’t own Japan. Foreigners will apply and get Japanese nationality and there’s nothing you can do about it. Ha Ha Ha!
@@swimmychannel3029 if I remember correctly, United States makes it very difficult to denounce your citizenship. And also I just found out my Japanese name is this サイモン ディーン グレー I don't know if that is correct or not since I don't speak it, I had it translated in a Japanese name converter.
Question: is it allowed to apply Japanese citizenship even though the person is holding only a 1year long term residency? But staying in japan for 6 years. It just happened that she changed status that is why it went back to 1yr visa from 3yrs spouse visa.
Wow watching here in seto aichi..thank you and Godbless ..mam..i been 4 years working now here staying in japan..i love japan..i love to work here i hope i have a chance to have long term visa ..im from the philippines..i have ssw visa
Hello! Thanks for the information. My question is, if I’m married to a Japanese National and we are both freelancers, but we DO earn more than the minimum requirement per month, does that mean I’m still eligible for japanese nationality?
I living here in japan for 20year i want to be a japanese citizenship but is very difficult for me to right kanji and to read little read of kanji i can but to right is very difficult. Why is not easy to be a japanese citizenship without knowledge or not to read and right kanji ?
Ihello I'm asking if the kids is a japanese citizens and Japanese passport only have and she comeback in Japan do u think she need a dswd if she auntie only together to travel in Philippine to Japan thank u.
Hi Cha Na Ka, at this time, I am unable to recommend any lawyer but I can suggest going to your nearest "法務局（ほうむきょく）or Bureau of Legal Affairs for free consultation by clicking on the Excel file posted on the link below (site is in Japanese): www.moj.go.jp/MINJI/kokuseki.html Or do the application yourself (under the guidance of the Burea of Legal Affairs and perhaps a Japanese friend if you are not confident with your Japanese skills) by following this extensive guide written by those who previously applied for citizenship themselves: www.turning-japanese.info/p/intro.html Should you still opt to get a lawyer, there are many paralegals on the internet with free initial consultation to help you decide which one to get.
I've lived in Japan for 22 years, have been married (but divorced now), have a 21 year old son, have been teaching at a university for almost the entire time, and yet I can't even get a three year visa, much less a permanent resident visa. Any advice?
Hi Kropotkin Beard. Are you on a humanities (working) visa or instructor visa? Is your company filling your visa on your behalf or are you renewing your visa by yourself? Do you have any outstanding dues on your pension (nenkin) or taxes? Have you considered getting professional legal advice with your case?
@@swimmychannel3029 Initially I was on a marriage visa. After my divorce I had a 3 year visa for a while, but have been on a Professor Visa for years now. My taxes and everything else have been kept up. Immigration just keeps saying that as long as it's only a Professor Visa that one year is the limit. But give me a break. 22 years here now. I have a kid here. I know many people whom have Permanent Resident Visa who have been here a fraction of the time. I have not tried to get legal help. In addition, they keep me from even getting a 3 year visa which I must have in order to get a PR visa. It seems that they're trying to make sure I can't get one. I'm angry.
@@kropotkinbeard1 Sorry to hear that, I can only imagine your frustration. :( Any chance you would meet the new permanent resident point system for the highly skilled professionals? www.juridique.jp/visa/new.php
After obtaining citizenship, the bureau will be providing a guide with regards to deciding on a Japanese name. :) Please also check this link for more information: www.turning-japanese.info/2010/07/faq-do-you-have-to-take-japanese-name.html
Thank you for sharing this important information. I have a question here though.. I heard that if I was residing on a student visa then the period I have been staying in Japan as a student does not count.. I studied for 2 years and I began working immediately after graduation, do I qualify for the ordinary naturalization application after a total of 5 years stay (2 years as a student and another 3 years of work in Japan)?
Hi Baraa. It is possible. Based on the legal advice we have received, our lawyer says that it is important to have worked at least 3 years as a full time, contractual, or dispatched employee (as long as you were on a working visa) and may include 2 years on a student visa. Since every case is different, I would suggest seeking professional legal advice.
That's also my concern. I'm in my fifth year(If the time spent as student is counted) and wanting to apply for naturalization. But upon checking the Immigration website it's not include. I suggest you double check everything and redo the video it's misleading.
@@user-he6bi2jx4i The Nationality Act requires an applicant to have "① Continuous residence in Japan for five years or more." At the time of our initial research, many immigration lawyers had a different interpretation on this condition. So, we went to 2 lawyers who later on affirmed that the time under a student visa can be considered. I would suggest seeking legal advice on your case and wish you the best of luck! Also added a notation with this condition, appreciate your feedback!
@@swimmychannel3029 Thank you for the response. I don't know what to think anymore. IMMIGRATION is saying it's not included and they even emphasize it on thier website while IMMIGRATION LAWYER is saying it's included. If I have money to waste then I'll try but since I don't so I'll just wait another 2 years.
@@user-he6bi2jx4i May I ask which Immigration website are you referring to? All naturalization applications are processed by the Ministry of Justice...please see their official link here, www.moj.go.jp/ENGLISH/information/tnl-01.html I have seen some immigration lawyers offering free consultations (initial), maybe you can find one that can provide a service to best suit your case and eventually lead you towards a solid application in the future.
Thank you for your video. I have been in Japan for 25 years and married for 15 years.But immigration gave me 1 year visa 6 times and 3 year visa 3 times. I may have broken the law of being overstayed before I got married.But should immigration also continuously break their law by intentionally punishing me knowing that I pay all taxes and pension and residency fees like Japanese?
@@LethalMartialArtist Can you elaborate more?What about those who got permanent residence between 3 to 5 years after being married to a Japanese national?
@@smile4u482 You people refuse to understand. I am not saying paying taxes is punishment.It is very good and mandatory.What I am saying is that there are laws allowing foreign residents married to Japanese national to keep gradual residence visa status:usually 1 year,3 years and permanent residence and then lastly at will Japanese nationality (changement of Nationality). I can say without doubt that since Japan gouvernement started granting residence visas to foreigners married to Japanese national,I may be the only one who is married legally,wedded my spouse in the presence of our family for over 14 years (since 2006) and being given 1 year visa 7 times and 3 years visa 3 times. I know people who overstayed their visa before getting married but got permanent residence in 4 years and others 5 years or 6 years.That’s why I say immigration is punishing me.
i was born in kobe japan tho my parents are non japanese is it easy for me to get a japanese passport? i moved back to my motherland when i was 2 and never visited again now i am 19...
Hi Jatson! Japan follows "jus sanguinis" or the principle that the nationality of the children is based by the nationality of their parents, and not "jus soli" or nationality depending on the place of birth. Therefore, if you wish to become a naturalized Japanese, you would have to go through the general application.
@@jatsonmade9469 Unless you were "stateless" or without any citizenship at the time you were born, I don't think there are any privileges in being born here.
What is the first step? I really want to apply for citizenship, I’ve been living in Japan for 33 yrs. and my daugther is already 25 yrs. old . What really is the first step to do to apply for japanese citizenship?
Thank you so much for your information.I have a question. I came in Japan as a student in 2014 and during my senmon because of some reason I went for refugee visa. But last year in 2020 I changed my visa from refugee to working again. And now I am in Working visa. So is there any possibility if I can apply for PR after some years.?
Hi Kiran. The requirements of the PR visa are very different from that of the Nationality but to answer your question, it is possible for your to apply and be considered for PR in Japan, as long as you meet the conditions. If you need more information about the PR application, please see this link: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-uYyeKkBjQyg.html Good luck on your future application!
Hello! Since you are no longer married to a Japanese national, you fall under the "ordinary naturalization" category and pass the minimum conditions in order to be eligible. Please note that you would only be required at least 1 year of work experience if you have lived "continuously" in Japan for 10 year of more.
Hi, thanks a lot for the all informations you get to us. Very helpfull video. I have just a question. during the difficult coronavirus time, I coudn't continues my studies, (i have been attended just for a 1 year) but I could keep working in a combini until now. (but not as a full time). Then, Because I couldn't come back in Italy, my visa status voice has been changed by " student visa" to "designated activities" and I could renwed it for almost 3 years. Now I am finally ready to attend the school again and I am thinking to attend at least 2 years. So my question is: do you think I would be able to qualify this requirement to get the naturalization? (of course counting as positives all the others requirements too) ( sorry for the long message) Thanks a lot.
Hi, I have a friend who are married to Japanese woman and he wants to apply for a naturalization in Japan but he's not working or the the company fired them because of the pandemics and now they want to apply a naturalization, do you think they can get a Japanese citizenship or Japanese nationality?
Hello, can you give me even an idea about residency for the American, I am retired American and I live with my daughters and they like to live in Japan, and one of my daughters holds a master’s degree in embryology and malignant diseases and works in an American hospital. Is it possible to get a job in the field of medical laboratories and how to apply for it, I am an American retiree, so do retirees have the right to residency? Thank you very much
I graduated from a Japanese university. I stayed total 5 years in Japan including 1 year of working as a full time employee. I am holding 5 years working visa. Am I eligible to apply for the naturalization?
I have a question. I'm an American citizen. In the 1960's I married a Japanese lady in Japan, and our marriage was registered in Japan. I also found out later that this information appears on my wife's family register in Yamagata ken where her family is from. Unfortunately my wife has since passed away in the U.S. after more than 50 years of marriage. Would the fact that my wife was originally a Japanese citizen when we got officially married in Japan allow me to apply for permanent residency in Japan, if that is what I wanted to do? I'm currently retired. Thank you.
Not finding the permanent residency information video. Also what do you mean change name to japanese? You mean to katakana or make your namr change to kanji?
Thank you for watching the video! Please check out the Permanent Residency video here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-uYyeKkBjQyg.html After successfully obtaining Japanese citizenship, you are required to have a name in Japanese in kanji (with the given name is katakana if you choose to decide to).
. I am planning to apply for Naturalization. I live in japan for almost 18years already. I am already divorced from a Japanese spouse 16yrs ago. I have a live-in-partner now also a Japanese national. I am working 7 years already in the same company as a factory worker. But My salary is not that big amount. But my partner is the one paying all the bills in the house. Do I have any chances of positive reaults if I will apply for naturalization?Thank you.
The salary amount is not an issue, as long as you're employed and have stable income. Naturalization is a process that takes years. You will have to get all of your family records from your home country to create a Koseki as a citizen. Documents depend your home country but usually includes graduation certificates, parents' marriage/divorce papers, birth certificates, etc...and they have to be translated into Japanese too. Be sure that (1) Pay all your taxes and social insurance. (2) No criminal records or violations. (3) Stable income. (4) No political activism, cults, association with criminal groups, late on social insurance/tax...Don't be on any gov agencies watch list. (5) Be prepared to be auditioned. You have to prove to the government of Japan that you're worthy to become Japanese, and you're not a threat to Japanese society.
Hi Wolfee. I am not sure if you are referring to Permanent Resident application for the minimum 10 year-residency but based our research, it is 5 years for Japanese naturalization. :)
I don’t know about your nationality but if you are a Japanese national by birth I don’t believe in the system that they are running this country using different tools ⚒️ against foreign residents no matter harassment by police 👮♀️ systematically or harassment by doctors in hospitals 🏥 but ward offices are very helpful and polite except ward offices I think whole the country is under control of some hidden hands 🙌 that are behind the curtains running the system I am living since 30 years in Japan 🇯🇵 my wife is Japanese we have a child after marriage I am a permanent resident but I don’t see any difference between me and a foreigner who arrived just a week ago for any purpose no matter he or she came here for sightseeing 😂 we are same our status is same these are only tricky practices that we respect foreigners I don’t believe . This country is only for pure blood 🩸 Japanese nationals not for foreigners,my best friend got Japanese nationality after a long time he needed to apply for a job and he got it as a logistic driver but they treated him as a foreigner because they were not ready to give him some medicines to load on his vehicle from Yokohama to Shizuoka ? So what you are talking about citizenship or nationality or naturalization?? I am not going to accept any kind of nationality of Japan 🇯🇵 when I have a long experience in Japan my whole adult life is over in Japan but I thought I was wrong moved here and started my life even my wife she is original Japanese but she got harassment at work so bad that she did quit work voluntary , so this is my advice to the foreigners that come Japan 🇯🇵 but before come here think not twice or thrice but a hundred times because based on my long experience this is very non welcoming land for any being whose forefathers are not from this land Japan is not Europe or USA 🇺🇸 a very different phenomenon I don’t say it even a country but a phenomenon that this planet 🌎 has ever experienced. So welcome Japan 🇯🇵 but at your own risk ⚠️ there is even no life guarantee in hospitals 🏥 that is my experience there is no human right office if there should be it is a dummy office you will not find any body or staff there phone is ringing but no attender ?? I was surprised, I would like to be national of Ghana 🇬🇭 or Bolivia or even a small island somewhere in the pacific but not in Japan 🇯🇵 that is my experience. A country where there is no guarantee of life in a hospital 🏥 for an injured person so you are coming in this trap I am sorry I am not against Japan 🇯🇵 or lovely Japanese common people they are fine I am talking against the system. You have to change your system then call ☎️ the people oh please come here this is a place you will be in peace ☮️ I am a book of history of Japan how brutal the system is 😨😨
There is no concrete Japanese language requirement stated on the official MOJ's website on the Nationality Law (www.moj.go.jp/ENGLISH/information/tnl-01.html), however, communication between you and the MOJ will be in Japanese. This includes the initial consultation, paperwork, filling, interview and so on, so having a good Japanese skill would be ideal.
Hi , so i'm yonsei (4th generation japanese descendant) and is these ordinary naturalization is aplied with these rules too? some people says that forthe 4th generations the condition is to stay consecutives 10 years , so i got confused about that. So if i go to japan with yonsei visa i cant get the naturalization?
The YONSEI visa was first introduced in 2018, so I don't think there are many precedents for naturalization of YONSEI...yet. The exception to that is if the YONSEI lives in Japan with a SANSEI parent and the entire family naturalized or obtained Permanent Visa (when the YONSEI was under legal adult age.) According to Japanese news media from June 2023, new YONSEI visa guidelines will be announced by end of 2023 allowing them to switch to "TEIJYUSHA (定住者)" residency status after certain years of residency (and certain level of fluency). This change in residency status will allow the YONSEI to have the same privileges as NISEI and SANSEI...as the visa can be renewed indefinitely. SANSEI need 5 years residency to apply for Naturalization. I'm not an immigration lawyer, but from what I can speculate based on the purpose of the YONSEI visa, which is to encourage more YONSEI to live and work in Japan, Permanent Visa and Naturalization will also be available after certain years of residency. Naturally, YONSEI who are residing in Japan on different visas (i.e. work, student, or spousal) fall under their respective visa rules for Naturalization and Permanent Visa. In any event, the most important requirement for the YONSEI visa is basic language fluency.
Pumunta ng Homukyoku …meron nito sa mga lugar na tinitirhan at Kompletuhin ang mga requirements na kinakailangan na nanggagaling sa 🇵🇭🇯🇵Bothside > pag na kompleto ito ay isasudmit > Duon palang mag u umpisa ang proseso > may mga vídeo na ipakikita at kinalailangan ng seminar na kasama at asawa na May mga interview ng kung ilang beses < at May test o exam na hindi naman kahirapan kahit pangalan at address na maisusulat no SA kanji > inportante at lenguaje na kaya mong makipag communicate,Ok sa Hiragana katakana ..:… yan ay kung less than 10 years ka ng naninirahan sa 🇯🇵 ( case by case kung Japanese naman ang 1sa mga magulang mo at naka rihistro ka ay napakadali) dipende sa status minsan lalot kilala ka sa palaruan ay may chance ka na makakuha agad ng citizenship nila
Hello there. Thank you very much for your explanation. I wanted to ask: the personal finance of ¥200,000 per month, does it have to come from the my main job? Will they accept if I submit employment letter for an international company not stationed in Japan?
Hi Damola. I can't say for sure if working under an international company not stationed in Japan fits the requirement, however, based on the living conditions, it specifies the need to have a stable source of income. I would recommend confirming legal advice from a professional, just to be sure.
Great video👍...introduced very details.. But I have a question.. Suppose I got citizenship of japan...after getting citizenship.,can I go to my country for a visit to meet my family???If I can.,..How is that???? I will be very grateful..If I get my question's answer.. Thank you very much
Hi Ashiqur. Upon naturalization and becoming a Japanese citizen, you are now considered as a foreigner in the country of your original citizenship. You are free and not prevented from visiting any country but depending on their respective travel requirements, you may or may not need to apply for travel visa.
I hve a question,what if I have some unpaid taxes without knowing it because of my employer. Can I pay the unpaid taxes and then apply for Japanese citizen?
Hi Jm. If you worry about any outstanding unpaid taxes, you can go to your region's city hall or tax office and request for an updated tax certificates or consult with your city hall. In case there are any unintentional unpaid taxes, you should be able to discuss this with the MOJ and give you a more accurate advice.
Hi Aki. Maybe you can provide more information - like current visa in Japan, etc. If there was no recognition from the Japanese parent, he may then be considered as a foreigner and would need to go through the regular nationality application.
Hi. How was your interview with Japanese officer? Was it tough in Japanese language? Honestly I am not fluent. But I have a plan to apply to Japanese passport in a future.
I am a permanent resident residence of japan and I have son who is japanese citizen and i stay in japan for 50 year how to proceed the papper work and where to apply
Hello Hoos! You would need to find a company that can sponsor your visa, provided that you also meet the requirements of getting one. I wish you good luck on your application!
Hi Cherry Flower. Those under these type of visas qualify: (a) any type of work visa that is listed in one of the Highly Skilled Professional sub-categories (e.g. Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Intra-Company Transferee, Business Manager, Researcher, Professor), (b) Spouse of Japanese National Visa, or (c) Long Term Resident visa. Please refer to this site for a quick guide on the application for Permanent Residency's requirements: www.juridique.jp/visa/new.php Or our video about Apply for Permanent Residency: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-uYyeKkBjQyg.html
Unfortunately no, that would not be possible. Please see 02:17 for the basic conditions of the naturalization application for more information. Thank you.
Hi Gilbert. You should be receiving a call from the 法務局 (Houmukyoku) requesting for an update on your job status and other info they may still need. They say, this is "the good sign" of a positive result, after waiting for 10-12 months after the interview. 2-3 weeks after the call, an announcement shall be made on the kanpou. More information from previous applicants' personal experiences here: www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+173646
Hi Flyn Stiker! Please apply to your closest homukyoku or Bureau of Legal Affairs that has a Nationality Division. For a very thorough explanation on the steps you would be undertaking, please click on the link below: www.turning-japanese.info/p/steps.html (Writers of this blog are a reliable source of information with further contributions on Reddit and Quora!) If you can read kanji, you can click on the excel file for your nearest homukyoku offie: www.moj.go.jp/MINJI/kokuseki.html
Hi Senshi. Unfortunately, dual citizenship is not recognized (not possible) in Japan. You would have to relinquish the citizenship from your home country upon obtaining Japanese naturalization.
From my experience a little difficult. I can read it better than I can write it I wish they had more furigana, this would be easier to read kanji. I can read hiragana better than I can my katakana, but if you stick to it you can do decently well. Take into account this is all my personal experience, and in this no way going to be the experience for everyone.
Hi Shazia! Educational qualifications may depend on which type of naturalization you are applying for. For ordinary naturalization, you would need the educational qualifications that may be required of the working visa since getting a working visa would be the first step. More information about the working visa here: hru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xEaGf4azuWA.html
I’m living here in japan for almost 5 years n I’ve never been out of japan in these years and this is my first year of spouse visa so am I eligible to apply for citizenship?soon it will be five years after 3 months .can you please explain me in detail? Thank you
Hi Puza. I am not sure what your status of residence was during the years before your spouse visa status so it is hard to produce a specific answer for that. However, you did mention about being on a spouse visa now. Those under the spouse visa fall under the "Simplified Naturalization" category where the conditions are more relaxed. For example, only 3 years of minimum residency is required, from the 5 year requirement to that of the Ordinary Naturalization category. If you wish to pursue citizenship in Japan, I would advise you to seek a professional or book a consultation with the MOJ (link posted on the description page) for legal advice on your case. Thank you for watching our video and good luck!
How can I contact you through another website or phone ?where is your office ?can you give me the link please ?I would like to explain about my visa was before that help me to get exact answer that am I eligible or not .よろしくおぬがいします
Japanese citizenship application are more relaxed if applicant is married to a Japanese national but since all applications (including Japanese naturalization application by marriage) would go through extensive background check, including interviews, a good command of the Japanese language (including reading & writing of the language) is required.
Hi Anes. For ordinary naturalization, please see "02:17 Basic conditions for the naturalization application" for the requirements and acceptable visas. Thank you. :)
